Transcript

1.
2010 Annual Report

2.
Our MissionShowing kindness, doing justice, and serving those in need.Our VisionFollowing the example of Christ, Lutheran Social Servicesof the Southwest will provide, for all people, quality humancare services that build and strengthen individuals, fami-lies, and communities.Our Statement of Shared ValuesProfessionalismWe set high standards for knowledge, wisdom, and ethics withinthe organization, benefiting clients, colleagues, and the community.QualityWe set the highest standard for quality services based on our goalfor continuous improvement in all that we do.PeopleWe value employees, clients, and the community, for every humanlife has its own intrinsic worth.DiversityWe respect those who are different from ourselves and are unifiedby our shared mission.Faith-basedWe serve all people with an attitude of compassion and caring,illustrating God’s love in all that we do.

3.
Leadership Message Recently, I read an article about a little boy who was riding his bike in front of his home on a beautiful summer day when he fell and broke his right arm. Tommy told his neighbor how thankful he was that he did not have to spend the night in the hospital. He then added that since it was his right arm and hewas left-handed, it was just great he would still be able to have fun andplay with his friends. His Mom stood at the window the next morningas he walked down the driveway. She thanked God as she smiled andthought how wonderful that it had not been worse. This is a smallexample of how we should learn to rejoice in spite of trouble. Wemust have confidence God will always care for us, no matter what.At Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW), 2010 was a yearof God’s blessings. Our work continued and His footprints were evidentthroughout the agency. Many believed the end of the recession was near.Yet, many of our neighbors and friends were still unemployed, finding itdifficult to put food on their table, and lived in fear of losing their homes.Each day there were news stories of those who were at risk and unableto support themselves. Many persons with disabilities and shut-in seniorssaw their home-care benefits slashed due to the continuing economiccrisis. Through it all, the leadership and staff of LSS-SW continued towork and advocate for our neighbors using their unique gifts and Godgiven talents. Looking to Him for guidance, we continued to provide Therefore, as God’s chosen people,thousands of hours of service to those in need. We were motivated byHis grace and served with humility -- rather than fearing the effects of holy and dearly loved, clothethe economy and dwindling funding.With the assistance of our dedicated staff, an exceptional Board of yourselves with compassion,Directors, strong executive leadership, committed volunteers and donors,LSS-SW is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. I am genuinely kindness, humility, gentlenessthankful to all of you, not only for your ongoing prayers and support butfor making it possible to “Light the way…One life at a time.” and patienceIn His Service, ~ Colossians 3:12 (NIV)CHARLES E. MONROE, M.ED.President/CEO Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest n 2 0 1 0 Annual Report 3

4.
Aging & Disability Services Aging and Disability Services Division provides quality assistance for seniors and persons with disabilities through our Daybreak Adult Day Health Care Centers, Home Care Services and Senior Nutrition programs. We are committed to promoting the dignity, independence and quality of life for individuals and their families. The continued support of the community and the hard work of our highly trained and dedicated staff ensured our continued ability to provide these services. For many of the isolated homebound individuals we served, our staff was the only contact they received in any given week. The Division continued to work hard to maximize all opportunities and diversify funding streams to minimize the impact of Arizona’s economic decline and State mandated budget cuts. We streamlined staff and tightened the budget in order to continue providing help, creating hope and promoting the welfare of those we serve; helping them to achieve and maintain emotional, physical, and social well-being. providing hands for support Statistics n As persons with disabilities and the aging population grow in Arizona, the demand for non-medical home and community based services will increase. According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, demo- graphic realities facing Arizona now and in the future indicate: By 2014, the number of persons 85 or older will comprise 14% of the population over 64 years old. n The Meals on Wheels Association reported that, “Seniors who experience hunger are at risk for serious health problems. Hunger can be life threatening by increasing the risk for stroke, prolonging recovery from illness, extending hospital stays, limiting the effects of prescription drugs, decreasing resistance to infection, and even increasing the occurrence of depression and isolation.”4

5.
Home Care Adult Day Health CareHome Care provided housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal LSS-SW’s two Daybreak™Adult Day Health Care Centers, locatedpreparation, transportation, personal care and assistance with in Apache Junction and Mesa, provided respite services for caregiv-activities of daily living, respite care for family caregivers and ers who provide care at home for loved ones who are frail or withattendant care, which combined all of the available services. some form of dementia, memory loss associated with disease orStaff worked closely with families to develop an individualized illness, traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer’s. The Centers providedcare plan to ensure that each client achieved the highest level of a structured, supportive and safe environment to participants whoindependence. 2010 was a difficult year for many of the vulnerable, needed supervision, social support, or assistance with daily activitieslow-income seniors we served as the economy continued to affect that promoted an individual’s level of independence. In addition totheir lives. Many experienced a reduction in the number of service providing respite to families with loved ones suffering from varioushours available to them. Staff continued advocacy efforts on behalf forms of dementia and other physical and neurological illnesses,of those for whom a service reduction would have had an adverse the Apache Junction Center provided specialized programmingeffect on their physical and/or emotional well-being. In many cases, two days a week to young adults with traumatic brain injury. Thethese advocacy efforts resulted in minimizing the reduction in specialized programming included adaptive computer training andservice hours or at least maintaining them. The following service activities, which helped our participants with memory retention,hours were provided by county: Pima-107,410; Pinal/Gila/Maricopa- daily fitness routines, and the enjoyment of each other’s company136,760; and Santa Cruz/Cochise-156,856. as they played games together. In 2010, the Centers provided 17,805 service hours.Our staff focused on providingquality services and strived toexceed state mandated standards. S e n i o r N u t r i t i onArizona established a high-qualitytraining program for direct care In July 2010, LSS-SW was awarded a contract fromprofessionals and mandated that Pima Council on Aging to provide Senior Nutritionemployees become certified Services in Pima County. Senior Nutrition Servicescompetent by demonstrating provided nutritious meals to home-boundknowledge and skills consistent seniors through our Meals on Wheelswith the Arizona Direct Care Program. The meals are low fat, low salt andStandards. LSS-SW received meet one-third of the recommended dietaryapproval from The Arizona allowances. Trained drivers delivered chilledHealth Care Cost Containment and frozen meals while making valuableSystem (AHCCCS) in 2010 as daily health and safety checks on eacha Direct Care Worker (DCW) recipient. The home delivered mealsTraining and Testing Program. improved the dietary intakes of participants and offered opportunities to be linked with community resources. In 2010, 49,122 meals were delivered to 423 individuals in Pima County. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest n 2 0 1 0 Annual Report 5

6.
Community Development & Disaster Services Partners in C a r i n g With the help and support of Maricopa County Lutheran empowering congregations and volunteers, LSS-SW food pantries distributed 15,340 food boxes; feeding a total of 60,676 low income individuals. Over forty dedicated volunteers gave 5,603 hours of their time to pack and distribute donated food received from local congregations and the Community Food Bank. In October 2010, in partnership with Victory Lutheran Church, a new food pantry was individuals, families opened in Florence at Christ the Victor Lutheran Church. In the last three months of the year, 80 families received food boxes at this and communities location. In addition to supporting struggling individuals with food throughout the county, LSS-SW case managers distributed $58,793 in financial aid; helping families stay in their homes. This support Statistics came from Lutheran congregations and the Emergency Food and n As unemployment rose during the recession, median Shelter Program. incomes dropped, resulting in a 2.3% real decline nationally. In Arizona, a perfect storm of economic Special programs provided back to school assistance including decline, a preponderance of low paying jobs, and the clothing and supplies to more than 250 children. During the housing market bust has led to a poverty rate of 19.2%, holidays, 150 turkeys were donated and distributed, assisting 100 a rate that is the second highest among the 50 states families and over 300 children. With the continued decline in the (University of Arizona, Eller College of Management, economy, services provided by the five Partners in Caring locations Arizona’s Economy, Fall 2011). of Community Development continued to offer hope to individuals and families in need.6

7.
A f t e r S c h oo l P r og r a m f or I n s t r u c t i o n a l & R e c r e a t i onal Education (ASPIRE) During the 2010 Spring and Fall semesters, 40 students, 38 of whom are refugees from Central Africa, received assistance completing math, reading and English homework at Abounding Grace Church in Tucson. Ninety one percent of those students receiving homework assistance maintained at least a “C” average in these classes in school. In addition to homework assistance, 90% of ASPIRE students participated in daily spelling, history, reading, writing and math modules.JobNet for N e i g h b or sThroughout 2010, the unemployment rate in Arizonaremained over nine percent. The need for employment servicesfor individuals with multiple barriers to employment, includescriminal backgrounds, disabilities and low educational levels wasas critical as ever. LSS-SW’s case management staff assisted unem-ployed and underemployed individuals secure full-time employmentby providing training focusing on resume writing, communicationskills, proper work attire and attendance at work.Resident Oppor t u n i t y a n dSelf-Sufficien c y ( R O S S )Approximately 600 elderly residents and residents withdisabilities living in five City of Tucson public housing complexes,benefited from transportation services, health literacy classes,sponsored social activities and case management services.This package of available services helped to decrease the selfisolation and loneliness commonly experienced by this population.The success of this program is a direct result of grant dollarsprovided by the United States Department of Housing andUrban Development, church and community volunteers,partnering agencies, and dedicated LSS-SW staff. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest n 2 0 1 0 Annual Report 7

8.
healing I n t e r f a i t h H om e l e s s E m e r gency Lodging Program (I-HELP) In partnership with local congregations, the City of Mesa and the Mesa United Way, the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP) was launched in Mesa in March 2010 to provide shelter services for homeless single women in the eastern part of Maricopa County. Prior to this time, single women needing shelter had to travel nearly 30 miles to access services. The program began with three partner churches providing shelter two nights per week. By year end, shelter was provided six nights a week in partnership with nine congregations. These congregations opened their facilities to provide a safe place for 44 women to sleep for a total of 1,935 I-HELP Suc c e s s S t or y shelter nights. Mary is a middle aged lady who lived with a male friend for LSS-SW staff also provided support for those women who wanted to a few months. One night, she was attacked by the man, develop a “Life Plan” to chart a course toward employment and safe, and he made some demands of her. She got away from stable housing. him and never returned to the place she had called home. She left all of her belongings; leaving her with nothing. She heard about the I-HELP program from her friends. Statistics During her first night at the program, she was amazed by n In one year between 2.5 and 3.5 million people how welcoming the program was. Because I-HELP is a night experience homelessness for some period of time (days to shelter, her days were free and she could spend time with months). her adult daughter. She mentioned to program staff that she felt safe again. After being with the I-HELP program for n In Arizona, 21,149 people are estimated to be homeless. two months, she made the decision to return to her home state, where she had family and could start over. Mary credited I-HELP with providing her a safe environment In December, as a result of a grant received from the Gila River until she was able to reconnect with her family. Indian Community, LSS-SW was able to purchase a new 15 passenger van for the program. The addition of the new van She was thankful for everything the program provided: increased the reliability of program transportation and enabled shelter, meals, showers, clothing and encouragement. more women to be transported to the nightly shelter locations.8

9.
Community Development & Disaster Servicesbroken lives Disaster Services In January 2010, three Arizona communities, Black Canyon City, Tonto Basin and Wenden, were affected by flooding as a result of heavy rains. Disaster Services staff worked with a total of 69 survi- vors; providing a total of $25,000 of financial assistance and overPathways for I m p r o v e m e n t $100,000 of in-kind support.and Girl’s Ci r c l e Throughout 2010, 117 individuals attended the Prepare toThese two programs help young men and young women, C.A.R.E (Congregations/Communities Actively Respondingrespectively, increase their pro-social and interpersonal skill levels. to Emergencies) preparedness training.Each program is provided in a group setting where the youth inattendance are given the opportunity to practice new skills as theyare learned. In 2010, 50 young men attended the Pathways forImprovement program and 35 young women attended the Girl’sCircle program.Evening Repor t i n g C e n t e rIn July 2010, the Evening Reporting Center, locatedat Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson, opened.The program is designed to serve as an alternative todetention for community youth involved with thePima County Juvenile Court Center. The program isopen Monday through Friday afternoons from 4:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and serves youth ages 14 to 17.Programs include: Tutoring/GED Study, Independentliving skills (problem solving, values, listening,expressing feelings, communication, teamwork,conflict management, anger/grief/anxiety), Life Skills(computers, cooking, money management, basiclaw), Pre-vocational and/or Vocational instruction(job application, interviewing, resume writingskills), Cognitive Skills Training, and a CommunityRestitution Work Component. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest n 2 0 1 0 Annual Report 9

10.
Refugee & Immigration Services The Refugee & Immigration Services Division remains dedicated to helping refugees re-establish their lives in Arizona. In 2010, the Phoenix Refugee Office resettled 946 refugees and the Tucson Refugee Office resettled 322 refugees. The primary refugee populations continued to come from Iraq (39%), Bhutan (25%), and Burma (16%). Smaller numbers of refugees arrived from various African countries (12%), Iran (3%), Cuba (2%), and other countries (3%). creating new beginnings Comprehensive resettlement and adjustment services were provided with an emphasis on empowering refugee families to become self-sufficient and successfully integrate into their new communities. With strong national and local support, the Refugee Program provided the essential guidance and services for successful resettlement including: employment preparation and placement, English language acquisition, health services, school enrollment, and initial basics including housing, furnishings, food, and clothing.10

11.
Refugee & Immigration ServicesEmployment is the key element for refugee families to achieve in-dependence and economic self-sufficiency. All employable refugeeswere assisted with job search and placement services by highlyqualified staff resulting in productive job placements in Phoenix andTucson.The LSS-SW Refugee Program operates English Language Trainingfor all refugees in Maricopa County. In 2010, LSS-SW conducted anaverage of 30 weekly classes at 12 different locations. The classesincluded: ESL, computer literacy, citizenship, and employmenttraining. The classes were conducted in conveniently locatedapartment complexes or other community locations, with anaverage of 18 to 25 students per class. The program has beenhighly successful due to the professionalism of the AZ certifiedinstructors and the strong participation of the refugee communities.In 2010, 60 church congregations in Phoenix and Tucson withover 500 volunteers partnered with LSS-SW in assisting refugees.Volunteers and church congregations were vital to the process ofwelcoming the newcomers. As they encouraged, mentored, andwalked beside refugee families, the transition to American lifebecame easier. Friendships were established, and a new under-standing of each other’s cultures emerged. Churches reportedthat being involved in refugee resettlement gave them a newministry focus while providing hands-on, cross-culturalexperiences for those participating. Statistics n In 2010, there were 15.2 million refugees worldwide. “Our involvement with a refugee Of this total, the United States, which is the largest family has brought us closer as a resettlement country, welcomed 80,000 refugees or less community of faith.” than one half of one percent of the world’s displaced refugee population. Church Co-Sponsor, Refugee Program n In Arizona, a total of 3,482 refugees were resettled in 2010. The LSS-SW Refugee Program resettled 1,268The Phoenix Refugee Office continued to provide high quality, low refugees or 33% of the Arizona total.cost immigration services performed by BIA (Bureau of Immigration n With the assistance of the Tucson Refugee Office, a 99Appeals) accredited immigration professionals. In 2010, approxi- year-old refugee from the former Soviet Union receivedmately 1,100 clients received immigration services, mostly applica- her US Citizenship. This was the first time in her long lifetions for Adjustment of Status (Green Cards), family reunifications, that she was recognized as a citizen. She was so veryand Naturalization (Citizenship). In 2010, the Tucson Refugee Office happy and proud to be a US Citizen.became a BIA recognized office for expanded immigration serviceswith BIA accredited staff serving the Tucson community. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest n 2 0 1 0 Annual Report 11

12.
Behavioral Health Service s serving with compassion and caring In Pima County, LSS-SW increased the number of clinical hours offered to the community by 60%, and tripled the number of clients. In collaboration with our congregational partners Desert Hills Lutheran Church, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Risen Savior Lutheran Church and Valley Presbyterian Church, we broke down the barriers of time and travel to make the therapeutic experience more accessible and affordable to the communities of Green Valley, Oro Valley and Tucson. These important collaborations and removing the barriers to thera- peutic treatment can make all the difference in whether or not an individual or family seeks treatment, schedules appointments, and stays in treatment. Thank you to our partners who made all of this happen in 2010.12

13.
Do You Need T o T a l k ?This rhetorical question, asked of me in a casual conversation byour staff congregational therapist, hit me like a blow from aheavyweight prize fighter.“Well, yes, I think I do,” I stammered. Life for me at age 56 hadceased to hold any meaning. While my coworkers and churchfriends saw a competent, creative, happy-go-lucky person, I sawonly a fraud. I knew the successful social facade I presented to theworld hid my real emptiness and lack of value. This story, among many of our clients, reflects the emotionalMy therapist’s question reined me up sharply. She saw my challenges the Life Counseling Network responded to in 2010.desperation perhaps better than I did myself. I saw no reason to Our staff clinicians responded to the great increase of peoplecontinue the struggles of living. She saw the potential of a life struggling with stressful life conditions, brought on by the reces-reclaimed, redeemed and restored. sion. Anxiety, depression, decline in self-respect, martial success, and parenting skills are common place among unemployed orTwo years have passed since that innocent, yet probing, question. underemployed individuals.My therapist guided me through some critical and immediatemental health interventions, and then worked with me in therapy The population affected by depression is increasing each year. Andsessions to slowly regain a sense of who I was as a human being, to specialists predict that by 2020, depression will become the 2ndunderstand what gifts I have to offer the world, and to begin most common health problem throughout the world. Here areto appreciate and love myself. some other interesting stats:Depression is insidious. It eats away at one’s joy and hope. It is aspiritual problem, too. Depression ultimately convinced me that Iwas so worthless that even God couldn’t love me. General Statistics n 9 out of 10 Americans report positive benefits from theirThanks be to God, I broke away from that destructive way of therapeutic experience.thinking. There is hope. There is help. Life can be good again.There is love; love of myself, love to share with my wife of 38 n A 30 year study of patients treated by Kaiser Permanenteyears, love for my friends, and the love of God.” revealed that therapy is a cost effective treatment that reduces health care costs. Of the 10,000 patients-- Life Counseling Network Client surveyed, patients spent fewer days hospitalized, visited their physicians less frequently and reported overall betterThankfully, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has a staff health due to directly addressing their mentalwho can ask the penetrating questions and who have the necessary health concerns.training and skills to put broken people on the road to healing andwholeness. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest n 2 0 1 0 Annual Report 13

14.
Financials Com pa r a t i v e S t a t e m e n t s Comparative Statements of F i n a n c i a l P os i t i o n of Activities n Two Years Ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 n Two Years Ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009 Total Assets $ 2,009,070 $ 1,915,976 Total Revenues and Total Liabilities 778,990 477,040 Other Support from Operations $13,153,055 $11,952,127 Total Net Assets 1,230,180 1,438,936 Total Other Revenues (318) 11,207 Total Revenues 13,152,737 11,963,334 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 2,009,070 $ 1,915,976 Total Expenses 13,361,493 12,572,485 Revenues Over (Under) Expenses $ (208,756) $ (609,151) n Compiled from Fiscal Year 2010 and 2009 Audit Reports Sources of Revenue Functional Expenses n Year Ended December 31, 2010 n Year Ended December 31, 2010 n 90.7% Federal/State/ n 91.5% Programs Local Grants n 7.8% Administrative n 5.1% Program Fees Costs n 2.1% Churches n 0.7% Fund n 0.7% Individuals Development n 0.5% Foundations n 0.4% Other Income n 0.3% Corporations n 0.2% United Way n Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest continued as a good steward of its funding sources. Over ninety percent (91.5%) of all funds went directly to programs and services that benefited those in need. LSS-SW Chief Financial Officer14

18.
Make a Difference One Life at a Time Help Th os e I n N e e d and B e P a r t o f O u r S u c c e s s Mak e a D on a t i o n Be a Volunteer Each donation we receive is vital to LSS-SW’s ability to provide The goals we meet with our clients depend greatly on the services to children, families, elders and individuals across the State tremendous support of volunteers who bring their employment of Arizona. There are several easy ways to donate: history and life experiences. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Choice Dollars We invite you to join us by going to our website at You can make a difference by designating your Thrivent Choice www.lss-sw.org/volunteer.asp and select a program you would Dollars to LSS-SW. Visit https://www.thrivent.com/ like to be a volunteer for: thriventchoice/index/html to learn how. n ASPIRE (after school program) - Pima County Donate Online n Food Banks - Maricopa County LSS-SW is a Qualifying Charitable Organization Providing n Refugee Services - Pima & Maricopa County Assistance to the Working Poor. This State of Arizona designa- tion means you may be eligible to receive a dollar for dollar tax n Office Services - Pima & Maricopa County credit for donations up to $200 for a single individual and $400 n Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program for a married couple. Your secure online donation at www.lss-sw. (I-HELP) - Maricopa County org/donate-now.asp enables LSS-SW to serve our most vulnerable n Adult Day Care - Pinal County populations during difficult economic times. Donating online creates an instant impact. Or you can call our offices at 520.748.2300 / 877.258.2059, Ext. 253. We will assist you by placing you in the areas with greater Donate by Mail or Phone need in your community. Go to our website at www.lss-sw.org/donate and download our donation form or make a gift over the phone. Or use the convnenient self mailing donation envelope attached in this publication. We thank our community of supporters. Due to limited space, we are unable to list everyone. If we have incorrectly listed a name in Memorial/Honor Gift this report, we do apologize. For corrections, please call our offices Honor a friend or loved one by making a special gift to LSS-SW in at 520.748.2300 / 877.258.2059, Ext. 300. their name. Visit www.lss-sw.org/donate-now.asp to make your donation. Planned Giving Leave a legacy of Making a Difference, One Life at a Time. Read information regarding bequests and other planned giving options to benefit you and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest at www.lss-sw.org/planned-giving.asp18 Luthe r a n S oc i a l S e r v i c e s o f t h e S ou t h w e s t n 2 0 1 0 A n n u a l R e po r t

20.
n 5049 E. Broadway Blvd., Ste. 102 Tucson, AZ 85711 Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, an Arizona Qualifying Charity, and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and recognized by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lutheran Social Services of theExecutive Offices: Southwest will make reasonable accommodations to all persons with a■ 520-748-2300 ■ 877.258.2059 disability so that they may participate in program services or activities.■ 5049 E. Broadway Blvd. Ste 102, Tucson, AZ 85711■ www.lss-sw.org Annual Report Design n BobCat Studios n www.bobcatstudios.com